Mombasa erupts into massive partying at start of 10 day culture festival

Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (middle), flanked by among others the Jomvu MP Twalib Badi, his County Executive Committee Member in charge of Tourism Joab Tumbo and other tourism stakeholders joins locals in a procession that started at the Tusks along Moi avenue on Friday, 14th August,2015 evening. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

MOMBASA: Massive fireworks, traditional dances from Kenyan and foreign troupes and nightlong partying marked the start of the second Mombasa International Cultural Festival in Mombasa on Friday evening.

The much publicised annual festival lived to its billing before thousands of visitors and local residents when the coastal town burst into life, lights and massive celebration of cultures and diversity, which will last ten days, putting to shame recent reports of insecurity on the Kenyan coast.

Overseeing the massive display of splendour was Mombasa governor Hassan Ali Joho, Mvita MP Abdulswamad Sahrif Nassir, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, Mombasa county MP Mishi Mboko and Mombasa CEC for Tourism and Culture Job Tumbo. Close to twenty other MPs from different parts of Kenya and political parties attended the festival which has been designed to showcase Mombasa, unique history, ethnic, religious diversity and to spur investment and  revive tourism which has been battered by insecurity and adverse Western travel advisories.

Speaking when he officiated at the inauguration of the 2nd edition of the Mombasa International Cultural Festival (MICF) at the Fort Jesus Museums grounds on Friday, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho said that the historical city was safe and open for business.

The event whose rallying call is 'Tukutane Mombasa' was preceeded by a colourful procession from the historical Mombasa landmark structures- Elephant Tusks led by Joho , traditional dance music and a display of fireworks that reverberated the first day of the event.

''This city is where civilization first stated in present day Kenya. It has rich history and remains an attractive destination for all and sundry to sample,'' Joho told Mombasa residents and several legislators from the political divide who were present.

Joho reiterated that through the cultural extravaganza that presents all shades of Kenya's ethnic groupings, they are able to now confidently tell Mombasa and Kenya's own story.

''People other than us have been telling our story for a very long time. This events presents an opportune moment for us to tell our own story, '' Joho said.

Joho said that as a result of Mombasa's cosmopolitan nature, they (Mombasa residents) are able to appreciate their diversity and strongly hold to the belief that diversity is strength.

''We need to remain focused and united as one people and ensure that we sustain security, peace and tranquillity here,'' Joho said.

Mombasa County Executive in charge of Tourism and Culture Development, Mr Joab Tumbo said that the event which started yesterday will run for 10 days with each day have special events.

The full programme included the official opening ceremony with a Madafu cocktail which was held at the Fort Jesus Museums of Friday, beach sports and beach marathon to be held at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach today.

Tomorrow, Tumbo said will be official opening of the Cultural Expo at the Mama Ngina drive with the highlight being Taita Taveta county and later Utamaduni Nite.

Tuesday 18th August will be a tourism and counties Expo with Kilifi County being the days highlight before the event ends with Zilizopendwa Nite.